Some of Northern Ireland’s top business leaders have been honoured at the inaugural IoD Northern Ireland Director of the Year Awards.

The Northern Ireland awards, which were held at the Institute of Directors in Belfast, were presented to business leaders across seven categories and were open to directors in both the private and public sector.

It was the first year the awards have been run in Northern Ireland with winners going forward to compete with their counterparts across the UK in the national finals held in London in October.

Miles Templeman, director general of the Institute of Directors, was in Northern Ireland to present the prizes.

Speaking at the awards, Mr Templeman said: “The Director of the Year Awards recognise, celebrate and reward the achievements of established and emerging leaders and directors. The entrants in the Northern Ireland awards were of the highest calibre.”

The accolade of Young Director of the Year went to Cathy McCorry from Grafton Recruitment,while Brian McErlain of Genesis Breads won family business director of the year.

The Global Company prize went to Andor’s Conor Walsh, the Large Company gong to Ciaran Sheehan of Care Circle Group, and the Public Sector award to Sharon O’- Connor of Down District Council.

Patricia O’Hagan from Core Systems was named SME company director of the year, and Pat Mc- Garry of Henderson Group won the environmental leader title.